NBA Superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has made his first ever visit to Nigeria, the country of his heritage. The renowned Milwaukee Bucks player and two-time NBA MVP visited Lagos, and was seen exploring the Yaba area alongside his mother on July 28, 2023. The purpose behind his visit was to extend his support to the development of basketball in Nigeria.
Revealing his excitement, Giannis posted photos of his visit to Lagos, Nigeria, on Instagram with a caption: “Finally made it to Nigeria with Mama the Mama🤎🇳🇬.”
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During his time in Lagos, Antetokounmpo delighted fans and aspiring young basketball players alike. He was spotted interacting with the enthusiastic youths, and to their sheer joy, he even took to the court with them at Rowe Park in Yaba, Lagos State. Interestingly, it was at this very location that another NBA MVP, Hakeem Olajuwon, was discovered, making the experience all the more special.
One of the main highlights of Giannis’ visit was his active participation in the Youth Alive Basketball Championship. He wholeheartedly engaged in court activities with the kids, becoming a source of inspiration and encouragement for the budding talents.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s connection to Nigeria runs deep, and he has consistently showcased his pride in his Nigerian roots. While predominantly known by his Greek name, he has made it a point to publicly emphasize his Nigerian name ‘Adetokunbo’ when addressing the press and media in the United States. His visit to Nigeria served as a meaningful and emotional journey, reinforcing his bond with the country of his ancestry and leaving a positive impact on the local basketball community.
